Hadith #874

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One whose friendship does not benefit you, his enmity will harm you.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the importance of choosing our companions wisely and being cautious of the company we keep. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (sadaqatuhu) "صَداقَتُهُ" in the Hadith refers to friendship or companionship. It implies a close bond and association with someone. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us that if a person's friendship does not bring any benefit to us, then it is of no value. This benefit can be in terms of knowledge, guidance, support, or righteousness. It is essential to surround ourselves with individuals who uplift us spiritually, morally, and intellectually.

To further emphasize the significance of choosing righteous companions, the Quran provides guidance in Surah Al-Kahf (18:28), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance.

This verse encourages us to seek the company of those who are devoted to the worship of Allah and strive to please Him. Such companions will inspire us to strengthen our relationship with Allah and engage in acts of worship.

On the contrary, the Hadith warns us about the consequences of maintaining a friendship that does not benefit us. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the enmity of such a person will harm us. This implies that associating with individuals who do not have our best interests at heart can lead to negative consequences in our lives. Their actions, words, and intentions can cause harm, both physically and spiritually.

The Quran provides examples of the harm that can be inflicted by those who are not sincere in their friendship. In Surah Al-Furqan (25:28), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the Day of Judgment, saying,

And the Day the wrongdoer will bite on his hands [in regret] he will say, 'Oh, I wish I had taken with the Messenger a way.'

This verse illustrates the regret of those who followed the wrong path and did not choose the company of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his righteous companions. Their association with the wrongdoers led them astray and caused them great remorse.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for us to reflect on the impact of our friendships and associations. We should strive to surround ourselves with individuals who will guide us towards righteousness, knowledge, and spiritual growth. By doing so, we protect ourselves from the harm that can be caused by those whose intentions are not sincere.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of choosing our companions wisely. It reminds us that true friendship should bring about benefits and positive influences in our lives. By seeking the company of those who are righteous and sincere in their faith, we can protect ourselves from the harm that can be caused by those who do not have our best interests at heart. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to choose our companions wisely and surround ourselves with those who will bring us closer to Him.